West Seattle, Washington
28 Sunday
One West Seattle Crime Watch reader report today, from Eric:
Went out to the car this afternoon to do some Christmas things around West Seattle, and discovered that the driver’s side of my old Subie had been vandalized. There was nothing in the car except a small dog bed, which was still in the car when I discovered the damage. Police report has been filed and there are plenty cameras around here, so maybe something will turn up. This probably happened in the early hours of this morning, Dec. 16th.
Eric says this happened “just south of Jefferson Square on 41st Ave SW, close to the Hudson Steps” and that a neighbor reported a similar incident recently.
(WSB photo)(WSB photo – 2022’s Christmas Light Run participants. Will you be in this year’s photo?)
9:19 PM: One more Christmas-lights note … tomorrow’s the night you can join West Seattle neighbors and friends on a casual run to go see some brightly lit West Seattle homes: West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) presents its annual Christmas Light Run! Gather at the shop (2743 California SW) by 5 pm Sunday (December 17). If you haven’t already seen it in our Event Calendar and Holiday Guide, here’s what it’s all about:
Come for our fun annual tradition! We will map out a 2.5-to 3=mile route that is lit! Wear your reflective gear, head lamps, strands of lights, and festive gear!! Elves, Santas, dogs, kids, walkers and runners welcome. This is an easypaced group run to look at the festive lights. We will gather at the shop afterward for nog, cider, hot chocolate, and cookies. We are hoping someone will lead carols this year finally? We look forward to seeing you. Merry Merry!
11:25 PM: Here’s the route.
Tonight’s lights are at 18th/Trenton, shown on video sent by AC. If you don’t recognize what’s on the fence, it’s this Marvel character. But AC says the theme changes often – it’s programmable; here are some examples:
Going out to look at lights? Let us know if you have recommendations – westseattleblog@gmail.com; scroll through this archive to see what we’ve shown already!
Still some color left on the horizon after this spectacular sunset, sixth-to-last of fall before the winter solsticr (post-sunset on Thursday). Thanks to James Bratsanos for the first two photos, above and below:
ADDED: From Jamie Kinney:
Lot of people out sunset-watching at Constellation Park, as Tony Tschanz shows us:
And the pink clouds lingered – here’s a later view from Chris Frankovich:
Another partly sunny day expected tomorrow!
Love soccer? Get ready to support the newly formed West Seattle Junction FC. Here’s the announcement about the team, which starts play next spring, but needs a show of community support right now:
West Seattle Junction FC, a pre-pro U-23 soccer club, is forming in our community and will debut in a series of 14 home/away matches and friendlies starting in mid-May 2024. Formed by a team of soccer enthusiasts that have supported our youth soccer community for over 25 years, this venture will bring a much needed platform for our most talented athletes to showcase their skills. The Club’s men’s team is planned for 2024 and the women’s team in 2025, competing in the USL W league.
The club aims to foster a strong connection to a hyper-local fanbase and create a memorable experience for fans, players, and everyone involved. They also intend to have a positive impact both on and off the field. Ticket sales will begin in early February with their schedule announcements and will be priced between $13.00 – $15.00 per ticket with a block of tickets set aside at no cost to provide accessibility to the entire fan base.
The team has already begun preparations for the upcoming season and will announce early January tryouts at Delridge Playfield within the next week through their social media pages. The coaching staff is currently being assembled, and they promise to bring a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring that West Seattle Junction FC is well-prepared for the challenges and triumphs of USL2 competition. Competitors will include Ballard FC, the 2023 National Champions, OlyTown FC, PDX FC, and many more Northwest Division teams.
West Seattle Junction FC invites the community to join them on this exciting journey. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements, events, and opportunities to get involved. Follow the team on social media for the latest updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses as they prepare to make their mark in USL2.
Special note: Formation is not without its challenges. Their desired home field, Southwest Athletic Complex, a perfect location to host the West Seattle community and a soccer match, requires an application process through Parks and SPS.
Questions and concerns related to the Club’s use of the field persist and they have been unable to properly secure the 7 field reservations needed to host their home matches. The club would greatly appreciate a community show of support by providing written support in the Blog comments and/or an email that can be forwarded by the Club to the parties reviewing their application with your vote of support. Highline Soccer Association and its board members have all rendered full letters of support to the decision makers and now it’s time for the community to weigh in.
Email address is info@junctionfc.org – website (as linked above) is junctionfc.org.
Two reader reports that are FYIs if you’re out on foot:
DOWNED LIGHT POLES: The photo shows one of three that John noticed:
3 of the new light poles have been knocked down/damaged on the steps between Delridge and 20th on Holden.
John believes it happened during the past 48 hours.
TRAILER BLOCKING PATH: Ryan wonders if this trailer blocking a path at 47th/Stevens is abandoned/stolen:
In addition to reporting issues like these via Find It Fix It, you can also contact SDOT’s after-hours regarding right-of-way issues (stairways and paths as well as streets) at 206-386-1218.
Every holiday season, C & P Coffee (5612 California; WSB sponsor) opens its doors to local artists and crafters to sell their work, and today’s the day. Among this year’s participants is local artist Jennifer Carrasco, participating in the C & P fair one last time:
She’s scaling down what’s been a prolific painting career. Other sights include these wood figures by Josh and Jim from Vashon Island:
And nature-inspired art by Alma from A Wild Braid:
See what treasures you find by visiting the C & P fair before 2 pm.
(Friday night’s sunset – now a bit later every day! – photographed by Brian Michel)
Welcome to Saturday! Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle – first, the holiday-related lineup, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
C & P HOLIDAY CRAFT FAIR: 8 am-2 pm, shop local at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) with local makers there to show and sell their creations.
DUWAMISH LONGHOUSE NATIVE ART MARKET: Missed the one after Thanksgiving? Here’s another chance to see and buy the creations of Native artists, 10 am-5:30 pm each day at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW).
SANTA AT MY THREE LITTLE BIRDS: At 4736 California SW in The Junction:
Santa is making his annual visit to Three Little Birds: 10 am-1 pm. Families can sign in and then will be called when their turn comes. They CAN take their own photos, or have us take them as well, tell Santa what their Christmas wish is, and then get a treat to go. The cost is $5 per family.
ART UNWRAPPED!: Noon-5 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), “artist community meetup and pop-up market.”
ALEX BAIRD AT THRIFTWAY: Live holiday music at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) with Alex Baird, noon-3 pm.
MARKET AND ANNIVERSARY: From Allison at Cascadia Wicks, one of the vendors: 1-5 pm market – with Santa at 4 pm – at Future Primitive’s White Center location, where FP is celebrating its 5th anniversary. Cascadia Wicks will be donating 10% of candle sales to White Center Food Bank. (9832 14th SW)
SEATTLE METROPOLITAN SINGERS: “A Ceremony of Winter Carols,” 3 pm, St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).
SANTA PUB CRAWL: Wear your Santa suit and join neighbors roaming between Junction bars and pubs. 5 pm-11 pm (locations here). Raising money for Furry Faces Foundation.
SANTA AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: St. Nick is scheduled to appear at West Seattle’s favorite Christmas-lights display (5605 Beach Drive SW) with two of his reindeer, 5-9 pm – hot cocoa will be served; and donations will b collected:
Donation Collections for WestSide Baby and West Seattle Food Bank. Donation bins will be set up at the Menashe home 5 – 9 pm. Most needed items for WestSide Baby: winter coats, hats and gloves, pajamas, rain books, blankets, books and toys, Pull Ups (sizes 2T – 5T) and diapers (sizes 3 – 6). Most needed items for the West Seattle Food Bank: non-perishable food (not opened, in good condition), shelf stable milk, healthy snacks, low-sodium and no-sugar foods, and pet food and kitty litter for their Pet Pantry.
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show starts at 5 pm on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, times and admission prices vary. Tickets and info here.
FESTIVAL OF TREES: At Fauntleroy UCC Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW): “Come see artistically decorated trees in a variety of themes. Bring non-perishable food items to ‘vote’ for your favorites.” 6-7 pm.
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH CONCERT: Come for the trees, then stay for the Christmas concert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm.
‘IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE’: The radio-play edition of Twelfth Night Productions‘ beloved show continues at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm – ticket info and other details on the Brown Paper Tickets website.
‘SNOWED IN’ SOLD OUT: ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) presents its holiday production, described as a “a journey of song, dance, friendship, family, and the true meaning of the holidays.” 7:30 pm. No tickets available online – but you can doublecheck with the box office.
COOKIE’S FESTIVE MIRACLES: Holiday drag show at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 9 pm. 21+.
OUT AT THE BOX HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: Holiday drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), 9:30 pm. 21+. Plus: “Box Bar will also be making $5 vegan Jell-O shots, with proceeds being donated to West Seattle Food Bank.”
*************Here are the non-holiday happenings, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE GROUP RUN: Start your Saturday with this weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW) group run! All levels welcome. Meet at the shop by 8 am.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR CHAS REDMOND: The longtime community advocate will be celebrated 1-4 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). RSVP here. At 2 pm, when a short program begins, a live stream is planned for those who can’t be there in person – here’s the link.
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Try the fall-release red wines!
BURGERS & BEATS: Saturday night food and music at Revelry Room – burgers start at 6, DJs at 9. (4547 California SW, alley side)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
‘GREAT NIGHT’: Saturday night program for young adults 18+ to hang out 7 pm-midnight, at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle).
Planning a concert, open house, show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or holiday-season happening, or ? If the community’s welcome, get your event on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you’re planning to tree-shop this weekend, two updates to the lot list in our West Seattle Holiday Guide:
(WSB photo, Holy Rosary lot last month)
HOLY ROSARY TREE LOT: Today (Saturday, December 16) is your last chance to shop this lot on the north side of the Holy Rosary campus (42nd SW between Dakota and Genesee):
Last day for the Holy Rosary tree lot. Still a good selection of fresh trees, wreaths, garland, and Hope Lutheran’s poinsettias. Opens 9 AM and closes when all items have sold. Stop on in and support the West Seattle Food Bank by bringing 5 cans of food and getting $5 off.
A portion of the lot’s proceeds go to nonprofits including WSFB. AFTERNOON UPDATE: As of noon, everything is half-price!
TREES BY THE SEA: The tree lot on Alki sold out earlier this week and is now closed for the season.
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